The smell of sizzling beef and onions reminds me of late nights in Philly, wrapped in a scarf, chasing the last food truck before snow. That same melty magic lives on in this cheesesteak tortellini rich provolone sauce. It’s popping up all over Pinterest becausehellocomfort food meets pasta? Yes.
This dreamy mashup brings together juicy ground beef, five-cheese tortellini, and a velvety provolone sauce that hugs every bite. Think Philly cheesesteak meets a pasta night shortcutrich, savory, and wildly doable. Great pick if you’re hunting for easy dinner recipes or scrolling steak and tortellini recipes. Full details in the blog!
First time I made this, I forgot the provolone, used shredded mozzarella, and it still got devoured by my kiddos and husbandthere were no survivors. It’s one of those beef tortellini recipes I keep in rotation for its no-fuss, big-flavor vibes. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Enjoy this delicious cheesesteak tortellini rich provolone sauce that blends Philly flavors with pasta comfort. Perfect for easy dinner recipes, it also fits wonderfully into tortellini recipes with ground beef or steak and tortellini recipes.
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb thinly sliced beef e.g. ribeye or sirloin cut into strips
1 green bell pepper sliced
1 red bell pepper sliced
1 medium onion thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup beef broth
8 oz provolone cheese shredded
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped optional for garnish
Instructions
Begin by slicing the beef into thin strips across the grain and prepare the peppers, onion, and garlic as indicated. Cook the tortellini as directed on the package until tender, then drain and set aside.
Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly brown the beef strips, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the beef, then sauté the onion and bell peppers in the same pan until tender before adding garlic and cooking briefly. Combine the beef back into the vegetable mix and remove from heat.
Create a smooth flour slurry by whisking flour into a small portion of cold milk. Heat the remaining milk and beef broth until warm, then slowly add in the slurry, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and simmers. Lower heat and mix in shredded provolone with salt and pepper until melted and smooth.
Fold the cooked tortellini and beef-vegetable mixture into the sauce gently. Serve at once with chopped parsley for garnish, or optionally transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese if desired, and bake at 375°F 190°C for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Prep Time:25 Minutes
Cook Time:40 Minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 bowl
Why You’ll Love This Cheesesteak Tortellini
Let’s talk comfort food firstthis dish is truly a hug in a bowl. It brings together everything you adore about a classic Philly cheesesteak (think melty provolone, tender beef, and sweet onions) with the cheesy, cozy appeal of five-cheese tortellini. The result is creamy, savory, and a total crowd-pleaserkids, partners, and neighbors alike will be delighted.
It’s also surprisingly easy, even if the fancy name makes it sound like something out of a five-star restaurant. The whole thing comes together with simple ingredients, minimal dishes, and none of the stress you’d associate with “rich sauces.” Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing your in-laws (yes, even the picky ones).
And let’s not forget: this recipe doesn’t just deliver flavorit’s flexible. Want to tweak the veggies? Go for it. Only have shredded mozzarella on hand? You’re still golden. Recipes using tortellini are always forgiving, and this one is no exception.
Ingredients Breakdown
Forget those lengthy grocery listschances are, you already have most of these ingredients on hand. Let’s break them down so you feel completely prepared before diving into your cheesesteak tortellini adventure.
Cheese Tortellini: The heart of the dish. Go with refrigerated tortellini for the best flavor and quick cooking.
Thinly Sliced Beef: Ribeye or sirloin works great, giving you tender, rich bites of steak in every forkful.
Bell Peppers & Onion: These bring the sweetness and texture that every good cheesesteak needs.
Provolone Cheese: Shredded and ready to melt its way into every corner of the sauce.
Garlic, Milk, Beef Broth, and Flour: The dream team for making a thick, creamy, flavorful sauce that’s easy to whip up. Don’t skip the garlicit’s the secret to depth.
Pro Tip: While optional, a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness if you have some on hand!
Simple Steps to Make It
Don’t let the fancy name intimidate youthese steps are truly straightforward. You won’t need any special culinary skills to create this rich, flavor-packed meal.
Prep: Start by slicing your beef against the grain and prepping all your veggies. Boil your tortellini according to package instructions (be careful not to overcook, as it will finish cooking in the sauce!).
Sear The Beef: In a hot skillet with olive oil, quickly brown your beef slices for a couple of minutes. Set them asidethey’ll go back in later.
Sauté The Veggies: In the same skillet, soften the bell pepper and onion strips until fragrant. Stir in minced garlic for a final aromatic flourish before combining the beef back into the mix.
Make the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, whisk flour into a small amount of cold milk to create a smooth slurry. Gradually whisk this slurry into warmed milk and broth until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat, then slowly melt in your shredded provolone until the sauce is silky smooth.
Combine It All: Gently stir the cooked tortellini and the beef-veggie blend into the rich provolone sauce, ensuring every bite is beautifully coated. Optional: for an extra cheesy finish, transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Pro Tips & Easy Customizations
If you enjoy customizing recipes, you’re in luckthis dish is incredibly versatile and built for your personal touches.
Switch Up The Protein: No ribeye? Try sirloin or even thinly sliced chicken breast. It’ll still be delicious!
Veggie Boost: Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or even some zucchini slices to the veggie mix for even more layers of flavor and texture.
Lactose-Free Option: Sub in your favorite lactose-free cheese and dairy substitutesyou can still enjoy that creamy sauce without the dairy.
Shortcut: In a rush? Feel free to skip the baking step entirely and serve this comforting dish straight from the skillet for instant dinner bliss.
Serving, Storage & Reheating
Beyond its incredible taste fresh from the pan, this dish stores beautifully. Let’s ensure your leftovers are just as delightful as the first serving.
Storage Method
Time Frame
Reheating Instructions
Fridge
3–4 days
Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezer
Up to 2 months
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above until heated through.
Serving Tip: This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread, perfect for scooping up every last drop of that rich sauce, or a light green salad to balance the meal’s richness.
Expert Says
The cheesesteak tortellini with rich provolone sauce expertly combines protein and calcium from the cheese with the complex carbohydrates in pasta, creating a well-balanced meal. Provolone’s unique melting properties contribute to a smooth, creamy sauce, skillfully emulsifying fats and proteins to enhance both flavor and texture when cooked gently over low heat.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
Crafting this Cheesesteak Tortellini with Rich Provolone Sauce involved several rounds of trial and errorI even had moments where I almost drowned it in cream or experienced the cheese splitting. But after much tasting and tweaking, I’ve finally perfected a sauce that’s wonderfully creamy, perfectly cheesy, and ideal for cozy family dinners.
To avoid curdling, cook the provolone sauce on low heat and add cheese gradually, stirring constantly. Avoid boiling the sauce after cheese melts. Using whole milk or cream helps maintain a smooth texture for this recipe’s rich finish.
Can I use different cheeses for the sauce?
Yes, substituting or adding mozzarella or fontina can enhance meltiness and flavor. However, provolone provides the signature taste and creaminess important for this dish’s character. Experiment with your favorite five cheese tortellini recipes for variation.
What is the best type of tortellini to use?
Fresh or refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini works best for quick cooking and authentic texture. For a heartier option, beef tortellini recipes complement this meal well by adding more protein without overpowering the sauce.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles to add umami. Use vegetable broth in the sauce to maintain depth of flavor. This tweak keeps the creamy sauce delightful while fitting vegetarian preferences.
What are some side dishes to pair with this meal?
Simple green salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread balance the richness of this dish. Steamed broccoli or a light slaw add freshness and texture contrast, rounding out this easy dinner recipe for a satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Whipping up this Cheesesteak Tortellini with Rich Provolone Sauce truly brings a taste of Philly magic right to your kitchen table. In about 30 minutes, you’ll enjoy tender beef, perfectly melty cheese, and a creamy sauce that makes every bite feel like a warm embrace. You’ll adore the comforting flavors and that irresistible cheesy pull. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper for easy weeknight dinners that feel special without any added stress.
If you’re looking to switch things up, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or a handful of fresh spinach for a delightful veggie boost. Leftovers reheat beautifully; just add a splash of milk to keep the sauce wonderfully silky-smootha favorite trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen. And for those busy evenings, remember you can skip the baking step and serve it straight from the panit’s still pure comfort on a plate. Flexibility truly never tasted so good!
I’d love to see your take on this ultimate cheesesteak tortellinisnap a pic or share your unique twist in the comments below! Did this comforting dish evoke memories of a cozy meal from your own family table? Be sure to save it, share it, or prepare it for someone you adore. No matter how you enjoy it, let this be one of those recipes that truly feels like home. ❤️
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
